The Brighter Futures Together Toolkit

The Brighter Futures Together toolkit is simple to use, free for communities in North East England, and has lots of ideas that individuals and community groups can use to improve their neighbourhoods and their quality of life.

 

It is a practical, easy-to-use resource that covers many different subjects and activities – for social, economic and environmental benefit. The toolkit currently covers 38 different subjects, providing advice and guidance on how communities can be more sustainable in their everyday lives. Each fact-sheet gives step-by-step guidance, as well as useful contacts for further support. The website also features a section of case studies, where groups can learn from other examples, and submit their own projects.

 

Factsheets have been contributed by a wide range of expert partners. These include regional organisations such as Skillshare NE, Northumberland Wildlife Trusts, and the Teesdale Village Halls Consortium, and national groups such as WWF, English Heritage, Media Trust, Sustrans, Connexions, and Traidcraft.

 

Each community faces its own particular challenges, and groups can select worksheets most relevant to them. A few of the actions that feature include:

  • Create a community green space to enhance health, recreation, wellbeing
  • Start a credit union to support the local economy, educating people about their finances
  • Community events build social capital, developing trust and connection
  • Save energy and learn about renewables, saving core costs and combating climate change
  • Support local shops and services, or even start your own community-owned shop, supporting a vibrant and sustainable local economy.

 

There are also sheets with general guidance on project planning, fundraising, volunteers, and publicity and communication.

 

The toolkit is web-based, with hard copies available on request, and is free for individuals and voluntary and community groups to use. It is a practical and easy-to-use resource that enables anyone to make their neighbourhood or community group more sustainable.

 

To view the toolkit online, please visit www.brighterfuturestogether.co.uk

 

For further information on the Sustainable Communities North East Initiative or the Brighter Futures Together Toolkit please contact us